High-value diamond acquisitions require a clear process. The exact transaction structure depends on the stone, destination and client, but the principles remain consistent.

Buying an antique diamond from overseas

Before payment, confirm the stone reference, destination, inspection arrangements and return eligibility in writing. These checks bring the delivery and return policies into the decision about the individual stone.

What does insured delivery include?

Complimentary, fully insured delivery is offered to approved destinations. An adult signature is required, and risk remains with Imperial Cushions until the secure carrier confirms delivery. Import taxes, duties and destination fees are the buyer’s responsibility unless the written invoice states otherwise. Check the countries served, preparation time and delivery estimates in our Shipping and Delivery policy.

Does the 14-day return policy apply to my diamond?

You may request the return of an eligible diamond within 14 calendar days of confirmed delivery. It must be unmounted, unaltered, undamaged and in the condition received, with the original grading report, packaging and accompanying documents. Diamonds sourced, reserved or acquired specifically for a client’s written request are final sale unless the written transaction terms state otherwise. Confirm which terms apply before payment, mounting or alteration.

For a change-of-mind return, the buyer pays the actual approved insured return cost. There is no restocking fee. Eligible refunds follow receipt and inspection of the returned diamond. Read the complete Returns and Refunds policy for authorisation, timing and deductions.

Can I arrange an independent inspection?

Inspection is arranged by prior agreement for the particular stone. Confirm who will examine and hold it, where the inspection will take place, any required payment and the costs if you decline to buy. The inspection questions below explain the available routes and what must be agreed before the diamond moves.

How do I check the report and an antique attribution?

Match the laboratory report to the stone and request current condition views. A cutting-style description alone does not date a diamond. Our grading-report guide explains the report’s scope; the antique-attribution guide explains the documentary evidence to ask for.

View current diamonds or ask about a stone and your destination. Include its reference, your city and any inspection questions.

Confirm the presentation

We provide current availability, on-hand viewing, the grading report and relevant supporting documentation. Any condition or visual trade-off known to us is discussed before inspection. View the loose old-cut diamonds currently listed for private enquiries.

Agree the inspection route

Inspection may take place by private appointment or through an agreed independent gemological professional or recognised laboratory. Identity and destination checks may be required before confidential material is released.

Confirm transaction and delivery

Price, currency, payment instructions, insurance, taxes, shipping responsibility and return conditions are confirmed in writing for the individual transaction. Secure delivery is arranged only after cleared funds and required compliance checks.

The information to review before you decide

Use the photographs and video for an initial review, then bring together the grading report, written transaction terms and agreed final inspection. Choose the stone for its documented qualities and your intended use; market value and resale conditions can change.

Inspection questions before you buy

Can I inspect a diamond before committing to the purchase?

An inspection can be arranged by prior agreement for the particular stone. We first confirm availability, the inspection location, who will hold and present the diamond, any required payment and the terms for accepting or declining it. Ask us to confirm these arrangements in writing before making a commitment.

Can you arrange an inspection in New York or in my country?

Tell us your city and the stone reference. We will check whether a trusted partner office or an available Malca-Amit or Brink’s facility can support that inspection. Local availability, the appointment, custody and costs must be confirmed before the diamond moves. You can also request an appointment at our Maccabi Tower office in the Israel Diamond Exchange.

What must I pay before an inspection?

Any required payment, deposit or logistics charge is specified in the written terms for that inspection. Payment timing depends on the agreed transaction structure. Memo is considered only for known and approved clients. Ask for the complete amount, what it covers and any refund conditions before accepting the arrangement.

What happens if I inspect the diamond and decide not to buy?

The prospective buyer bears the agreed outbound and return logistics costs when an inspection does not lead to a purchase. Custody, insurance, return timing and the treatment of any advance payment are confirmed in writing before inspection. Insured shipping is included with a completed purchase.

Can an independent gemologist or laboratory examine the diamond?

Inspection may be arranged through an agreed independent gemological professional or recognised laboratory. We confirm who will receive and examine the stone, the scope of the examination, custody, timing and costs before release. Review the grading report alongside the photographs, movement video and physical inspection.

How does an international purchase proceed?

Start by sending the stone reference, destination and viewing requirements. We confirm availability, documentation, quotation and a suitable inspection route. The written terms identify the seller and buyer, payment sequence, insurance, delivery responsibility, taxes, duties and return conditions. Private and new clients complete the required identity checks before a transaction or confidential release.

Looking for a diamond?

Start a sourcing enquiry

Inspection routes

By prior arrangement, inspections can take place at our Maccabi Tower office in the Israel Diamond Exchange, through Malca-Amit or Brink's secure facilities where local service is available, or at a trusted partner office. The location, responsible parties and costs are agreed before movement of the stone.

Commercial basis

Seller

The identity of the contracting seller is confirmed in the written terms for each transaction. Contact [email protected] for seller details before proceeding.

Individual quotation

Each stone has an individual quotation, available on request on a wholesale basis to private and trade clients.

Payment and memo

Payment is normally made by cleared bank wire against receipt or release of the stone, as agreed in writing. Memo is considered only for known and approved clients.

Insured shipping

Shipping is always insured. Insured shipping is included with a completed purchase. If an inspection or approved memo does not result in a purchase, the prospective buyer bears the agreed outbound and return logistics costs.

Taxes and compliance

The buyer is responsible for applicable taxes, duties and import requirements. Private and new clients must complete appropriate identity and KYC checks before a transaction or confidential release.

Direct response

Mortdechay handles all enquiries. Working hours are 08:00 to 20:00 Israel time, with a target response within one working hour during those hours.

Responsible diamond trade

We adhere to the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme and applicable diamond-trade requirements. The Kimberley Process governs international shipments of rough diamonds. For a polished or antique diamond, review the available laboratory reports and transaction-specific sourcing information.

Confirmed in writing for each transaction

  • Identity of the seller and buyer
  • Current availability, price and currency
  • Laboratory material and agreed inspection route
  • Payment instructions and any staged payment terms
  • Insurance, delivery and transfer of responsibility
  • Taxes, duties and import responsibility
  • Return conditions, governing law and dispute arrangements

Confirm these details in writing for your particular transaction.